Though wisdom is very important, is there something far more important? Let’s begin in Proverbs 25.
Thirteen kings of Judah after Solomon, did good king Hezekiah find an extra collection of Solomon’s proverbs?
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. (Pr 25:1-3 KJV)
How is removing the wicked from around the throne similar to refining silver?
Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith; Take away the wicked before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. (Pr 25:4-5 LSB)
Which is better before a promotion, arrogant overconfidence or humility?
Do not boast in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the same place as great people; For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince (Pr 25:6-7a NASB)
Is going to court without proper preparation or to betray a confidence a recipe for disaster?
What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand. (Pr 25:7b-10 NIV)
How important is a word fitly spoken, a rebuke in the ear of a humble listener still willing to learn?
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. (Pr 25:11-12 NKJV)
What kind of messenger are we, one who faithfully delivers what we promised?
Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. (Pr 25:13-14 NLT)
How should we approach someone in charge with wisdom?
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone. (Pr 25:15 WEB)
How is time with a neighbor like eating honey, and what cautions should we use?
If you find honey, eat just the right amount; otherwise, you’ll get full and vomit it up. Don’t spend too much time in your neighbor’s house. Otherwise, they’ll get fed up with you and hate you. (Pr 25:16-17 CEB)
Can we trust anyone who gossips about us or makes light of our suffering?
Telling lies about friends is like attacking them with clubs and swords and sharp arrows. A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot. Singing to someone in deep sorrow is like pouring vinegar in an open cut. (Pr 25:18-20 CEV)
Is loving our enemies in good works only a New Testament command?
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. (Pr 25:21-22 ESV)
Does gossip produce the same results as certain as local weather patterns predict?
The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. (Pr 25:23 HCSB)
Do we count ourselves very blessed to have a spouse that is easy to live with and almost never nags or argues?
It’s better to live in a corner on the roof than in a house with a contentious woman. (Pr 25:24 ISV)
What is good news from afar like? What is a righteous man like who gives way to the wicked?
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. (Pr 25:25-26 KJV)
What are those like who brag or just seek glory for themselves?
To eat too much honey is not good, Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory. (Pr 25:27 LSB)
What is a person like who has no control or restraint over his temper?
Like a city that is broken into and without walls So is a person who has no self-control over his spirit. (Pr 25:28 NASB)
Are there some things that God cannot teach the wise, but only those with the humility of a child?
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (Mat 11:25 NIV)
Though wisdom is very important, is there something far more important? You decide!
